Free Bible Studies

Sharing what I have learned from studying the Bible...

[freebiblestudies]

Line Upon Line Lesson 136: Corpse Defilement?

Numbers 19:13 - Whoever touches the body of anyone who has died, and does not purify himself, defiles the tabernacle of the Lord. That person shall be cut off from Israel. He shall be unclean, because the water of purification was not sprinkled on him; his uncleanness is still on him.

Why was touching a dead body considered by God to be an act of defilement? Why was the penalty for failure to purify oneself afterwards so severe?

Let’s read together Leviticus 15:31; Leviticus 22:3-7; and Romans 6:23. 

There was a spiritual lesson God wanted to teach the people of Israel. The wages of sin is death. God wanted people to understand this concept through this ordinance.

When touching a corpse; a person was, in a sense, in contact with death. That person could not approach anything holy. They were considered ritually unclean. They first needed cleansing.

So, how could that person be cleansed?

Let’s read together Numbers 19:1-10 and Hebrews 9:13-14. 

A red heifer without blemish was sacrificed by the priest. Its blood was sprinkled before the sanctuary. The heifer was burned and its ashes were collected. Those ashes were kept to make the water of purification. 

A person who was defiled by a corpse would need to be cleansed by this water to be considered ritually clean again. 

If the person refused to be purified, that person would be cut off from the people of Israel. They would no longer be part of the community and would be excluded from the covenant blessings.

There was nothing inherently holy about the red heifer. It was merely a symbol pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It is only through His cleansing blood that our sins could be washed away.

Friend, will you let Jesus cleanse you of your sins?

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Line Upon Line Lesson 135: With Great Honor Comes Great Responsibility

Numbers 18:1 - Then the Lord said to Aaron: “You and your sons and your father’s house with you shall bear the iniquity related to the sanctuary, and you and your sons with you shall bear the iniquity associated with your priesthood.

Why did God give such a solemn warning to Aaron and his sons? Let’s study together and find out.

Let’s read together Numbers 16:3, 28-35 and Numbers 17:1-11.

As we studied in the previous lessons, there was a great dispute over the priesthood. The priesthood was a high honor that was coveted by some of the other leaders of the people of Israel. God definitively settled the matter and chose  Aaron and his sons to be the priests over the people of Israel.

Let’s read together Exodus 19:6; Numbers 17:12; 1 Peter 2:9; Hebrews 2:17; and Hebrews 5:1.

The people of Israel were afraid to approach the tabernacle because they knew they had sinned against God. The priesthood had two functions. They were to represent the people to God and they were also to represent God to the people.

Let’s read together Exodus 28:38; Leviticus 10:1-7, 17; Leviticus 22:16; and Luke 12:48.

Those who were part of the priesthood received a high honor from God. However, that honor comes with a corresponding high level of responsibility. Priests are held to a higher stand as representatives of God. Remember two of Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, were killed for offering profane fire to God. Aaron was not allowed to publicly mourn their deaths to reinforce the seriousness of their sins.

Friend, will you take your responsibility as a Christian and a representative of God seriously?

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Line Upon Line Lesson 134: How Many Miracles Does It Take?

Numbers 17:8 - Now it came to pass on the next day that Moses went into the tabernacle of witness, and behold, the rod of Aaron, of the house of Levi, had sprouted and put forth buds, had produced blossoms and yielded ripe almonds.

Despite the events of Numbers chapter 16, many of the people of Israel continued to question Moses’ and Aaron’s authority. How did God ultimately put an end to this dispute?

Let’s read together Numbers 17:1-5; Numbers 21:18; and Ezekiel 36:17; and Ezekiel 37:16.

Twelve leaders, one from each tribe of Israel, would write their names on their rods. The rods would be taken into the sanctuary. One rod will miraculously blossom. This miracle will signify that God had chosen that person to lead the priesthood.

So, who did God choose?

Let’s read together Numbers 17:8-12; Jeremiah 1:11-12; and John 16:8.

God had already given the people of Israel plenty of evidence that He chose Moses and Aaron to lead them. God had opened the earth to swallow up Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and their families. God sent fire from heaven to destroy the two hundred fifty rebellious leaders. God sent a plague against the people of Israel, which was only stopped by the intervention of Moses and Aaron. 

Only Aaron’s rod budded. Not only did it have blossoms, it also had almonds.  The people saw the rod and were convicted of their sinfulness. They became greatly afraid. 

God commanded Aaron's rod be placed in front of the ark of the covenant as a reminder of their rebellion and His longsuffering mercy.

Let’s read together Ezekiel 3:7; Matthew 4:7; Mark 16:14; Romans 2:5; and Hebrews 4:7.

It took four miracles for the people of Israel to repent of their sins because of the hardness of their hearts. Friend, will you learn from this story and not harden your heart against God’s commands?

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Line Upon Line Lesson 133: Who Are the People of the Lord?

Numbers 16:41 - On the next day all the congregation of the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron, saying, “You have killed the people of the Lord.”

‭‭Why did the children make such an accusation against Moses and Aaron? Let’s study Numbers chapter 16 together to find out.

Let’s read together Numbers 16:1-3 and 1 Peter 2:5, 9.

Korah, Dathan, Abiram and two hundred fifty other leaders complained that Moses and Aaron exerted too much power over the people. They reasoned there should be more equality in leadership since everyone in the congregation was holy.

Let’s read together Exodus 28:1; Exodus 29:9; Numbers 12:3; and Numbers 16:4-7.

How did Moses respond to this accusation? He fell on his face and humbled himself before God. He tried to reason with Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. Moses argued that the Levites already had an exalted position among the people of Israel. Why would they try to take the priesthood for themselves also?

In addition Moses reminded them that God chose Moses and Aaron to lead the people of Israel. He let them know that God would confirm who he wished to lead the people of Israel the next day. Moses warned them that their actions and attitudes led them dangerously close to rebellion against God.

Let’s read together Exodus 13:3 and Numbers 16:12-14.

The leaders’ response to Moses’ words revealed their rebellious character. They characterized Moses as being a deceiver who led the people of Egypt. They claimed Moses’ goal was to become a tyrant and rule over them in the wilderness. . They claimed Egypt was a land of milk and honey, when in reality it was the place of their bondage and enslavement.

Let’s read together Numbers 16:15-40; 1 Samuel 8:7; and Jude 1:11.

Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and the two hundred fifty leaders may have framed their dispute as pushing back against Moses’ and Aaron’s overreach of authority. However, God considered their rejection of Moses and Aaron as a rejection of His authority. God judged the rebels accordingly. Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and their families died when the earth opened up and swallowed them. The rest of the rebels were consumed by fire from heaven.

Let’s read together Numbers 16:41-43 and 1 Samuel 15:23. 

Sadly, most of the people of Israel were still sympathetic to the rebels, even after God’s divine judgment. They carried on the same rebellious spirit and murmured against Aaron and Moses. They even went so far to claim the rebels who were killed were “the people of the Lord.”

Let’s read together Numbers 16:44-48; Psalm 95:8; and Hebrews 3:7-15.

God would have destroyed the congregation of Israel for their continued rebellion against. However, Moses and Aaron interceded on their behalf. 

Aaron’s action with the censer foreshadowed what Jesus would do for humanity over a thousand years later. Aaron literally stood between life and death in stopping the plague. Jesus would stop the plague of sin with His sacrifice on the cross. 

Friend, will you learn the lesson of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram? Will you refrain from acting presumptiously and rebelling against God’s authority? Will you act like the true people of the Lord and be obedient to Him?

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Line Upon Line Lesson 132: Extreme Punishment?

Numbers 15:32, 35 - Now while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man gathering sticks on the Sabbath day…Then the Lord said to Moses, “The man must surely be put to death; all the congregation shall stone him with stones outside the camp.”

A man was caught gathering sticks on the Sabbath. God decreed that he had to be put to death. Did the punishment really fit the crime? Was God being too harsh here?

Let’s read together Genesis 2:2-3; Exodus 16:22-20; Exodus 20:8-11; Luke 4:16; and Luke 23:56.

The Sabbath was instituted by God at Creation. It was the only day of the week that was sanctified and blessed by God. Jesus kept the Sabbath in His life. The Sabbath was still kept by Jesus’ followers after His death.

While the Sabbath was and is still very important, the question still stands. Why the death penalty for gathering sticks?

Let’s read together Genesis 15:22-31 and Hebrews 10:26-28.

If we read the passages just before this story, we will find a discussion on unintentional and presumptive sins. 

An unintentional sin is a sin committed in ignorance. It is still a sin, but it was done in ignorance. A burnt offering was required to atone for this type of sin.

On the other hand, a presumptuous sin is a willful act of defiance against God. It is a deliberate, intentional, and maybe even arrogant action on the part of the sinner. It was not done in innocence or ignorance.

The penalty for presumptuous sins was to expel the sinner from the community. The sinner could no longer participate in the religious and social life of the people of Israel. Sometimes the death penalty would be prescribed for presumptuous sins.

Perhaps the man who gathered sticks on the Sabbath sinned presumptuously. Perhaps he was warned about keeping the Sabbath holy in the past, but he ignored those admonitions.

Let us not be so quick to judge God’s actions in the Bible.

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Line Upon Line Lesson 131: They Will Be Our Bread

Numbers 14:9 - “Only do not rebel against the Lord, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the Lord is with us. Do not fear them.

Why were Joshua and Caleb the only ones who wanted to go into the promised land despite the bad report from the other spies? Didn't they also see the fortified cities and mighty inhabitants of the land?

Let’s read together Deuteronomy 1:26; Deuteronomy 9:7, 23, 24; 1 Samuel 15:23; and Hebrews 3:15. 

Joshua and Caleb asked the people of Israel to not rebel against God. How were they rebelling against God? 

God had already promised they would go to the promised land. They were literally at the border. They only had to walk in faith and enter the land. 

By refusing to enter the promised land, the people of Israel were rebelling against the word of God. This was a sin because they questioned God’s character and the truthfulness of His words.

Let’s read together Exodus 14:26-32; Deuteronomy 7:18; and Psalm 105:5.

Why didn’t Joshua and Caleb fear the people of the land like the other spies? They remembered how God delivered their people from the Egyptians. They saw plagues devastate the land of Egypt, but their people were protected. They were there at the miraculous parting of the Red Sea. They witnessed firsthand pharaoh’s army cry in terror as the Red Sea came crashing down on them.

Let’s read together Numbers 24:8; Joshua 1:5; and Hebrews 13:5

God had delivered the people of Israel time and time again. It did not matter to Joshua and Caleb how mighty the people of the land were or how greatly fortified were their cities. God would keep His promise and give them the promised land. They believed that the giants would be their bread

Friend, do you have faith in Jesus just like Joshua and Caleb did?

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Line Upon Line Lesson 130: Why Send Spies?

Numbers 13:1-2 - And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Send men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the children of Israel; from each tribe of their fathers you shall send a man, every one a leader among them.”

‭‭The people of Israel were on the verge of entering the promised land. Why did God command Moses to send spies to check out the land first? Why didn’t God command the people to simply walk in and claim the land?

Let’s read together Deuteronomy 1:21-23.

The people of Israel initially came to Moses with the idea of sending spies into the land. Moses liked this idea and presented it to the Lord.

It does make sense to scout the land to get information about its inhabitants, the cities they dwell, and to know what resources are available there.  God approved Moses’ request to send spies into the land. 

So, who did Moses send?

Let’s read together Numbers 13:3-16.

Moses sent out twelve spies into Canaan, one spy representing one of the twelve tribes of Israel. These spies were no ordinary men. They were leaders of their respective tribes. 

What did these spies find?

Let’s read together Numbers 13:17-33; Numbers 14:6-9; Numbers 32:8-9; Deuteronomy 1:24-25; and Deuteronomy 9:23.

The spies surveyed the land and came back to the people of Israel. They reported that the land was indeed a good land, flowing with milk and honey. However, ten of the spies brought a discouraging report that the inhabitants were like giants before them. They also reported that the cities were heavily fortified and would be very difficult to capture.

However, two of the spies dissented and said that the inhabitants and their fortified cities could be overcome. The Lord had already promised them this land. They only had to rise and take it in faith.

So, why did God allow Moses to send spies if He knew this situation would arise? Perhaps this was a final test of faith for the people of Israel. Would they believe in God’s promises or would they believe in the words of men?

Friend, will you trust in God’s promises?

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Line Upon Line Lesson 129: Only God is in Charge

Numbers 12:1 - Then Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married; for he had married an Ethiopian woman.

‭‭Why were Miriam and Aaron against Moses’ marital choice? What was wrong with marrying an Ethiopian woman?

Let’s read together Exodus 2:21; Exodus 18:2; and Habakkuk 3:7.

Who was this Ethiopian woman? We know from the book of Exodus that Moses married a Midianite woman named Zipporah.

Some Bible translations render “Ethiopian woman” in Numbers 12:1 as “Cushite woman.” Why is this significant? Some Bible scholars have noted that Cush and Midian refer to the same geographic area.

It is very likely that Zipporah was a darker skinned woman. Hence, the reference to the “Ethiopian” or “Cushite” woman.

Let’s read together Exodus 4:16, 25; Exodus 18-26; Exodus 15:20-21; John 4:9; and Acts 10:28.

So why were Miriam and Moses against Moses and his wife? Were they being racist? It is possible race may have been a factor. Moses did marry a non-Israelite.

However, it was probably more a matter of influence. Moses took the advice of his father-in-law in governing the people. 

Miriam and Aaron were also prophets like Moses. Perhaps they were afraid of losing their power and influence.

Let’s read together Numbers 12:5-8; 2 Peter 2:10; and Jude 1:9.

Let’s read together Number 12:10-12 and Exodus 32:1-4.

When Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses, they were actually speaking against God. Moses was chosen by God to be the leader of the people of Israel. They neglected to see that Moses wasn’t truly in charge, God was in charge.

Why did God only punish Miriam, but not Aaron? It was not a matter of misogyny, but a matter of culpability. Note in Numbers 12:1 that it says “Miriam and Aaron” instead of “Aaron and Miriam.”

We know in the past Aaron bowed down to the will of the people with regards to the golden calf. Aaron knew better, but he wasn’t able to resist peer pressure.

Miriam was probably the ring leader in this matter, and Aaron followed along after her. Therefore, she was punished with seven days of leprosy.

This story is relevant to us today. We may be tempted to speak out against leaders in church when things don’t go the way we want. 

Friend, will you let God be in charge?

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Line Upon Line Lesson 128: Give Me Quail and Give Me Death

Numbers 11:33 - But while the meat was still between their teeth, before it was chewed, the wrath of the Lord was aroused against the people, and the Lord struck the people with a very great plague.

‭‭Why did God strike the people with a plague after He gave them quail to eat? Couldn’t God simply have said no when the people asked for meat to eat? Was this some sort of cruel joke?

Let’s read together Exodus 16:11-13 and Psalm 105:40.

This was not the first time the people of Israel had asked for meat. God had given them quail before He introduced them to manna on their journey to Mount Sinai. So, what was different about this situation?

Let’s read together Numbers 11:1-4 and Numbers 11:23.

Read carefully what the people of Israel were complaining about. They asked, “Who will give us meat?” This was an attack on God and his ability to provide.

Let’s read together Exodus 2:23-25; Numbers 11:5; and Deuteronomy 5:6, 15.

The people were fantasizing about the food they had in Egypt. The children of Israel were implying they would rather be slaves in Egypt eating Egyptian food than being free with God in the wilderness.

Let’s read together Numbers 11:6-9 and Psalm 78:25.

The people were essentially despising the food God provided for them. They would rather eat meat than manna, which was the food of angels.

Let’s read together Deuteronomy 9:7, 22; 1 Timothy 6:6-8; and 1 Corinthians 10:10-11.

The people sinned against God by their ingratitude to Him, despite all He had done for them. They would rather satisfy their own lusts and cravings than rejoice in what God already gave them.

Let’s read together Numbers 11:34; and Romans 1:26; and Galatians 5:16-17.

Moses named the place where they buried people who gave into their cravings and died. He called it “Kibroth Hattaavah” which translates to “graves of craving” or “graves lust.”

Friend, will you learn from this story and deny the cravings and desires of the flesh?

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Line Upon Line Lesson 127:  The Battle Belongs to the Lord

Numbers 10:9 - When you go to war in your land against the enemy who oppresses you, then you shall sound an alarm with the trumpets, and you will be remembered before the Lord your God, and you will be saved from your enemies.

Why did the children of Israel have to blow trumpets when they went to war? Wouldn’t God already know they were fighting an enemy?

Let’s read together Leviticus 16:29-20; Leviticus 25:9

The ram’s horn (also known as the shofar) was blown on the day of atonement. On that day, the high priest would go into the Most Holy Place to make atonement for the children of Israel. During this time, the children of Israel were to afflict themselves by fasting, praying, and confessing their sins.

The blowing of the ram’s horn was a symbolic reminder of the urgency for repentance. Everyone was to actively seek God’s forgiveness. Those who did not afflict themselves were cast out of the camp.

Let’s read together Joshua 6:20; Judges 7:20; Joel 2:1; and Zephaniah 1:16.

Trumpets were also blown by the Israelites in battle situations. What connection is there between the Day of Atonement and war?

Let’s read together Exodus 14:14; 1 Samuel 17:47; 2 Chronicles 20:15; and Isaiah 59:19.

The Day of Atonement taught the children of Israel they needed to rely on God for salvation. In the same way, blowing trumpets in battles was a reminder they needed to rely on God for victory in battles. 

The purpose of the trumpets was not to alert God they were fighting an enemy. Blowing the trumpets was a reminder that the battle belongs to the Lord.

Let’s read together John 5:19 and John 15:5.

Friend, will you put your faith and trust in Jesus in all that you do?

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Line Upon Line Lesson 126: The Cloud and the Pillar of Fire

Numbers 9:15-16 - Now on the day that the tabernacle was raised up, the cloud covered the tabernacle, the tent of the Testimony; from evening until morning it was above the tabernacle like the appearance of fire. So it was always: the cloud covered it by day, and the appearance of fire by night.

What was the significance of the cloud and pillar of fire that followed the children of Israel and stayed by the sanctuary? Let’s study together and find out.

Let’s read together Job 22:14; Psalm 78:14: Psalm 97:2; Daniel 7:13. 

God was in the cloud during the day and guided the children of Israel on their journey. Wherever the cloud settles, the children of Israel would set up the sanctuary and their tents around it. 

When the cloud moved away from the sanctuary, the children of Israel would break camp. They would follow the cloud to their next destination.

Let’s read together ; Nehemiah 9:12; Daniel 7:10; and Isaiah 4:5.

God was in the pillar of fire during the night. The pillar of fire would give light for the children of Israel in the dark of night.

Let’s read together Deuteronomy 31:8; Joshua 1:9; and Psalm 23:4.

The cloud and pillar of fire were visible reminders that God’s presence was with the children of Israel. In the same way, Jesus promises to always be with us.

What about the difficult times in our life? What about the times we are crying out to God, but He seems so far away with us?

Let’s read together 1 Kings 8:12; Psalms 18:11; and Matthew 27:45-46.

‭When Jesus was dying on the cross, He felt very much the same way. He thought God the Father was so distant from Him. However, God the Father was in the darkness that covered the land. He was there, agonizing and watching His Son die for our sins.

‭‭Let’s read together Psalm 23:4; Psalm 56:8; and Matthew 28:20.

Friend, will you trust Jesus is with you in both bad and good times?

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Line Upon Line Lesson 125: Illumination

Numbers 8:1-3 - And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: “Speak to Aaron, and say to him, ‘When you arrange the lamps, the seven lamps shall give light in front of the lampstand.’ ” And Aaron did so; he arranged the lamps to face toward the front of the lampstand, as the Lord commanded Moses.

Why did God want Aaron to arrange the light of the seven lamps in a particular way? Did it really matter?

Let’s read together Exodus 25:37 and Leviticus 24:2-4.

Aaron was to ensure that the light of the lampstand completely illuminated the room. The light of the lampstand was the only light in the Holy Place. This is why God was so particular in how the lamps were arranged. 

In addition, Aaron was to ensure that the lamps were constantly filled with olive oil. The light of the lampstand was to burn continually day and night.

Let’s read together Psalm 18:28; Isaiah 9:2; and John 1:1-5.

The light of the lampstand symbolized the light of Jesus Christ. It is a light that drives out darkness and a light that can never go out.

Let’s read together Isaiah 5:20; Matthew 6:23; Luke 11:34-35; 2 Corinthians 4:6; and 1 Peter 2:9.

It was the duty of the priests in the sanctuary to maintain the purity of the light. In the same way, it is our duty to maintain the light of Jesus Christ in our lives. 

If we call ourselves Christians, but live in sin and corruption, we are defiling the light of Christ. We are to represent Jesus to those around us in word and in action.  

Friend, will you shine the pure light of Jesus?

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Line Upon Line Lesson 124: Speaking with God

Numbers 7:89 - Now when Moses went into the tabernacle of meeting to speak with Him, he heard the voice of One speaking to him from above the mercy seat that was on the ark of the Testimony, from between the two cherubim; thus He spoke to him.

In this verse, Moses went into the tabernacle to speak to God. This seems like a rather uneventful action. However, it is rather extraordinary if you study further.

Let’s read together Exodus 20:18-19; Isaiah 6:5; Isaiah 59:2; and Luke 5:8.

We take it for granted that Moses was often in the presence of God. However, there are many passages in the Bible where people tremble and are fearful in the presence of God. Isaiah and Peter both became acutely aware of their sinfulness when they met Jesus.

‭Let’s read together Numbers 12:6; Jeremiah 26:5; Daniel 2:19; and Luke 1:13-17.

God spoke to people in visions and dreams. God  also sent messengers like prophets or even angels to communicate His will to the people.

Let’s read together Exodus 33:9, 11; Numbers 12:3; and Numbers 12:8.

However, Moses spoke to God directly. God spoke to Moses like a friend. There were not many people in the Bible who had that kind of close relationship with God.

Let’s read together Psalm 80:1; Psalm 99:1; Ephesians 2:14-18; and Hebrews 10:19; and Hebrews 4:16.

There is actually something more amazing than the fact Moses was able to God directly. When Moses spoke to God in the tabernacle, Moses was in the Most Holy Place where God’s presence was above the mercy seat. Moses was actually speaking to God on His throne. Moses had an audience with the King of the universe!

Today, through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, we have the same privilege to speak to God directly as Moses did. 

Friend, will you boldly come to the throne of grace? Will you speak to Jesus as a friend?

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Line Upon Line Lesson 123: The Law of the Nazirite

Numbers 6:2-3 - “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘When either a man or woman consecrates an offering to take the vow of a Nazirite, to separate himself to the Lord, he shall separate himself from wine and similar drink; he shall drink neither vinegar made from wine nor vinegar made from similar drink; neither shall he drink any grape juice, nor eat fresh grapes or raisins.”

Have you ever heard of the Nazirite vow? If not, have you ever heard of Samson, one of the most famous judges in the Bible? Today we will study the law of the Nazirite and how it applied to Samson.

Let’s read together Judges 13:3-4, 24-25.

While many people know of Samson for his feats of strength in the Bible, his parents actually consecrated him to God as a Nazirite. So, what is the vow  of the Nazirite, exactly?

Let's read together Numbers 6:1-21.

In general, a man or woman could take the vow of the Nazirite. That person would separate himself or herself and be dedicated to God for a specified period of time. Samson’s case was unique as he was dedicated as a Nazirite from birth for his entire life, apparently.

There were actually three specific requirements for the Nazirite vow. We will go over them one by one.

Let’s read together Numbers 6:3-4 and Judges 14:6, 17.

Those who took the vow of the Nazirite were not allowed to drink wine or grape juice. They could not even eat grapes or raisins. The Bible does not explicitly say that Samson broke this condition. However, it is interesting to note the Bible mentions that Samson went to the vineyards of Timnah with his parents to meet the Philistine woman he loved.

Let’s read together Numbers 6:6-8 and Judges 14:6-7.

Those who took the vow of the Nazirite were not allowed to go near a dead body. Yet, Samson broke this condition when he killed a lion and later took honey from the lion’s carcass.

Let’s read together Numbers 6:5 and Judges 16:16-20

Those who took the vow of the Nazirite were not to cut their hair. Yet, Samson’s foolishness allowed Delilah to cut his hair and led to him being captured by the Philistines.

Let’s read together Numbers 6:9-12.

Interestingly, those who take the Nazirite vow must shave their heads at the end of the vow or if they have been defiled. Samson had been defiled by all the sins he had committed. While Delilah shaved Samson’s hair to weaken him for the Philistines, she unknowingly helped Samson to fulfill a condition of the Nazirite vow.

Let’s read together Numbers 6:13-18 and Judges 16:28-30; and 1 Corinthians 15:55-57.

At the end of the Nazirite vow, an individual was to make a sacrifice to God. Samson sacrificed himself to kill his Philistine enemies. In doing so, Samson saved his people.

In this sense, Samson was a (very flawed) version of Christ. His actions pointed to what Jesus would do. Jesus sacrificed Himself to destroy the power of death and sin. In doing so, Jesus saved (and will save) everyone who accepts Him as their Lord and Savior.

Let’s read together Leviticus 11:44; 2 Timothy 1:9; and 1 Peter 1:15.

Friend, will you learn from the vow of the Nazirite? Will you avoid Samson’s mistakes and consecrate yourself to Jesus?

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Line Upon Line Lesson 122: The Law of Jealousy?

Numbers 5:27 - When he has made her drink the water, then it shall be, if she has defiled herself and behaved unfaithfully toward her husband, that the water that brings a curse will enter her and become bitter, and her belly will swell, her thigh will rot, and the woman will become a curse among her people.

‭‭What is going on in this passage? A trial by ordeal to prove innocence? Is this passage justifying gender oppression and injustice against women?

Let’s read together Numbers 5:11-15.

This passage discussed a scenario where a man suspected his wife of adultery. However, he did not have any proof. There were no witnesses to the alleged act. The man accused his wife and took her to the priest.

Let’s read together Numbers 5:16-31; 1 Samuel 1:1-6; and Luke 1:24-25.

The priest had the woman make an oath that she did not commit adultery. The priest then warned the woman that she would be cursed if she was lying.

The curse likely involved a miscarriage and loss of fertility. That would be devastating to a woman of child-bearing age in that culture at the time.

The bitter water mixture was made of holy water and dust from the sanctuary. Note that the water mixture was not inherently poisonous or harmful.

This trial was inherently different from medieval trials of ordeal. In the medieval trials, people believed that divine intervention would occur to prove an accused individual’s innocence. Innocent women accused of adultery or witchcraft could be mutilated or even killed in those trials.

On the other hand, in the trial in Numbers chapter 5, divine intervention would occur to prove an accused woman’s guilt. 

The trial in Numbers chapter 5 actually shows God cares about women and wants to protect them from being harmed by false accusations.

Friend, do you see God’s love in this trial?

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Line Upon Line Lesson 121: Why Cover These Items?

Numbers 4:15 - And when Aaron and his sons have finished covering the sanctuary and all the furnishings of the sanctuary, when the camp is set to go, then the sons of Kohath shall come to carry them; but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die. “These are the things in the tabernacle of meeting which the sons of Kohath are to carry.

At first glance, this seems to be a rather mundane Bible verse. That is, until one reads about the part where there is a potential death penalty. What spiritual lessons can this Bible verse teach us?

Let’s read together Numbers 7:5-9; Numbers 18:1-5; and Luke 10:30-32.

The first thing we notice is there is a division of duties between the priests and the other Levites. The priests ministered directly in the sanctuary. The rest of the Levites performed other duties that helped the priests. In particular, the Kohathite Levites were given the task to carry the holy items in the sanctuary during the sojourn of the children of Israel.

Let’s read together Exodus 40:30-32; 1 Chronicles 13:7-12; and 2 Chronicles 26:16-21.

The second thing we notice is that holiness was not to be taken lightly. The priests were able to cover the holy things in the sanctuary because they first ritually cleansed themselves. They prepared themselves first before handling and covering the holy things in the sanctuary.

Why was it important to have reverence for the holy things of God? They were symbolic of the holiness of God. The holy items were covered for the protection of the Levites. 

Uzza died because he touched the ark of the covenant. He may have meant well, but he treated the ark like a common piece of furniture.

King Uzziah entered the sanctuary to burn incense despite warnings by the high priest to stop. Uzziah presumed he could take on the priest’s role just because he was a mighty king. Uzziah was struck with leprosy as a result of his pride.

Friend, will you respect the holiness of God?

[freebiblestudies]

Line Upon Line Lesson 120: The Levitical Priesthood

Numbers 3:12-13 - “Now behold, I Myself have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of every firstborn who opens the womb among the children of Israel. Therefore the Levites shall be Mine, because all the firstborn are Mine. On the day that I struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, I sanctified to Myself all the firstborn in Israel, both man and beast. They shall be Mine: I am the Lord.”

‭Why did God give the priesthood to the Levites? How was the priesthood determined before this?

Let’s read together Exodus 13:11-16; Psalm 49:6-8

The firstborn male of every family was set apart and consecrated to God. This was a reminder of what God did during the tenth plague of Egypt. The angel of death passed over all homes whose door posts were painted with the blood of sacrificial lambs.

In addition to temporal blessings of being the firstborn, they were given the job of being the priesthood for the family. This was a duty passed from father to son when the time came.

Let’s read together Genesis 49:5-7; Exodus 28:1-4; Exodus 32:25-29; Numbers 18:20; and Psalm 21:3.

The priesthood for the ministry of the tabernacle was given by God to Aaron and his sons. The priesthood ministry was extended to the entire tribe of Levi for their loyal actions during the golden calf incident.

Interestingly, what Jacob pronounced against Levi did come to pass. The Levites would not have their own land as an inheritance. They would have their inheritance in God. Their needs would be provided for from the other tribes of Israel

Let’s read together Numbers 3:40-51.

Since the Levites would be responsible for the priesthood, a redemption price was paid for all the firstborn males of the children of Israel. The firstborn no longer had the responsibility of the priesthood.

Let’s read together 1 Peter 2:9.

So, what happened to the levitical priesthood? We will talk about that in a future Bible study. Friend, will you continue to study the levitical priesthood?